1.
National Football League
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The National Football League is a professional American football league consisting of 32 teams, divided equally between the National Football Conference and the American Football Conference. The NFL is one of the four professional sports leagues in North America. The NFLs 17-week regular season runs from the week after Labor Day to the week after Christmas, with each team playing 16 games, the NFL was formed in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association before renaming itself the National Football League for the 1922 season. The NFL agreed to merge with the American Football League in 1966, and the first Super Bowl was held at the end of that season, the merger was completed in 1970. Today, the NFL has the highest average attendance of any sports league in the world and is the most popular sports league in the United States. S. The NFLs executive officer is the commissioner, who has authority in governing the league. The team with the most NFL championships is the Green Bay Packers with thirteen, the current NFL champions are the New England Patriots, who defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34–28 in Super Bowl LI. Another meeting held on September 17,1920 resulted in the renaming of the league to the American Professional Football Association, the league hired Jim Thorpe as its first president, and consisted of 14 teams. Only two of these teams, the Decatur Staleys and the Chicago Cardinals, remain, the first event occurred on September 26,1920 when the Rock Island Independents defeated the non-league St. Paul Ideals 48–0 at Douglas Park. On October 3,1920, the first full week of league play occurred, the following season resulted in the Chicago Staleys controversially winning the title over the Buffalo All-Americans. In 1922, the APFA changed its name to the National Football League, in 1932, the season ended with the Chicago Bears and the Portsmouth Spartans tied for first in the league standings. This method had used since the leagues creation in 1920. The league quickly determined that a game between Chicago and Portsmouth was needed to decide the leagues champion. Playing with altered rules to accommodate the playing field, the Bears won the game 9–0. Fan interest in the de facto championship game led the NFL, beginning in 1933, the 1934 season also marked the first of 12 seasons in which African Americans were absent from the league. The de facto ban was rescinded in 1946, following public pressure, the NFL was always the foremost professional football league in the United States, it nevertheless faced a large number of rival professional leagues through the 1930s and 1940s. Rival leagues included at least three separate American Football Leagues and the All-America Football Conference, on top of regional leagues of varying caliber. Three NFL teams trace their histories to these leagues, including the Los Angeles Rams

2.
New England Patriots
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The New England Patriots are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston region. The Patriots compete in the National Football League as a club of the leagues American Football Conference East division. The Patriots are also headquartered at Gillette Stadium, an original member of the American Football League, the Patriots joined the NFL in the 1970 merger of the two leagues. The team changed its name from the original Boston Patriots after relocating to Foxborough in 1971, the Patriots played their home games at Foxboro Stadium from 1971 to 2001, then moved to Gillette Stadium at the start of the 2002 season. The Patriots rivalry with the New York Jets is considered one of the most bitter rivalries in the NFL. The Patriots have appeared in the Super Bowl nine times in franchise history, the Patriots have since become one of the most successful teams in NFL history, winning 14 AFC East titles in 16 seasons since 2001, without a losing season in that period. The team owns the record for most Super Bowls reached and won by a head coach–quarterback tandem, the Patriots are tied with the 49ers and Cowboys for the second most Super Bowl wins with five. The Steelers are in front with six, however, the Patriots are the only team to win five Super Bowls with the same coach and quarterback. On November 16,1959, Boston business executive Billy Sullivan was awarded the eighth, the following winter, locals were allowed to submit ideas for the Boston football teams official name. The most popular choice – and the one that Sullivan selected – was the Boston Patriots, immediately thereafter, artist Phil Bissell of The Boston Globe developed the Pat Patriot logo. The Patriots struggled for most of their years in the AFL, nickerson Field, Harvard Stadium, Fenway Park, and Alumni Stadium all served as home fields during their time in the American Football League. They played in only one AFL championship game, following the 1963 season and they did not appear again in an AFL or NFL post-season game for another 13 years. When the NFL and AFL merged in 1970, the Patriots were placed in the American Football Conference East division, the following year, the Patriots moved to a new stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, which would serve as their home for the next 30 years. As a result of the move, they announced they would change their name from the Boston Patriots to the Bay State Patriots, the name was rejected by the NFL and on March 22,1971, the team officially announced they would change its geographic name to New England. During the 1970s, the Patriots had some success, earning a berth to the playoffs in 1976—as a wild card team—and in 1978—as AFC East champions and they lost in the first round both times. In 1985, they returned to the playoffs, and made it all the way to Super Bowl XX, following their Super Bowl loss, they returned to the playoffs in 1986, but lost in the first round. The team would not make the playoffs again for eight more years, during the 1990 season, the Patriots went 1–15. They changed ownership three times in the ensuing 14 years, being purchased from the Sullivan family first by Victor Kiam in 1988, who sold the team to James Orthwein in 1992

3.
Phillip Adams (American football)
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For others named Phillip Adams, see the Phillip Adams navigation page Phillip M. Adams is an American football cornerback that is a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted in the round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. He played college football for South Carolina State University and he has also played for the New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, and New York Jets. He also went to Oakdale Elementary School as a kid. In his freshman year at South Carolina State University, Adams saw action as a backup and he recorded 12 tackles and 2 interceptions, along with a 30-yard punt return. As a sophomore, he played in 11 games, as a junior, Adams ranked 6th on the team with 48 tackles, and led the team in interceptions with five, and pass deflections with nine. In his senior year, he was a First Team All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference selection, Adams was selected in the seventh round by the San Francisco 49ers. In week 16 against the St. Louis Rams on Dec.26,2010 and he was released by the 49ers on September 3,2011. On September 21,2011, the New England Patriots signed Adams and Landon Cohen after season-ending injuries to Dan Koppen and he was waived on October 8, then re-signed on October 13 after Mike Wright went on injured reserve. On October 14, Adams was once released to make room for Marcus Harrison. On November 21, Adams recorded his first interception in the NFL and he was waived again on November 29. On December 20,2011, Adams was signed by the Seattle Seahawks, on September 1,2012, Adams was signed by the Oakland Raiders. Adams signed with the Seattle Seahawks on March 27,2014, Adams was signed by the New York Jets on September 1,2014. Adams was signed by the Atlanta Falcons on March 12,2015

4.
Titus Adams
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Titus Adams is a former American football defensive end. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska, Adams has also been a member of the New York Giants, San Diego Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots. Adams was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and was a defensive tackle for Creighton Preparatory School. There he was a two-time all-state selection and led his team to the championship back to back years. They won the title in 1999, and finished runner-up in 2000. Adams participated in the first ever U. S. Army All-American Bowl game on December 30,2000, Adams played defensive tackle in college for the University of Nebraska. In 49 games with the Huskers, Adams started 22 times and he recorded 135 tackles with 3.5 sacks,16 tackles for losses and 26 quarterback pressures. He recovered two fumbles, deflected three passes and intercepted two others and he graduated with a degree in business administration. Adams was drafted by the New York Jets in the round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He was re-signed to the Jets practice squad on September 6,2006, in December of that year, the New York Giants signed Adams from the Jets practice squad to their 53-man roster. Adams spent the rest of the season with the team and was waived on August 17,2007, Adams was claimed off waivers by the Chargers on August 20,2007, but waived on August 31,2007. The Cincinnati Bengals signed Adams to their squad on December 18,2007. He was re-signed to a contract on December 31,2007. In July 2008, Adams was signed by the New England Patriots and he was waived on August 30 and re-signed to the teams practice squad on September 1. After spending the 2008 season on the squad, Adams was waived again on September 5,2009. On December 9 he was promoted to the active roster and he played in his first NFL game on December 13 against the Carolina Panthers, recording two tackles at nose tackle. He was waived on December 31, Adams was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns on January 1,2010

5.
Joseph Addai
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Joseph Kwahu Duah Addai Jr. is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was selected in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University by the Indianapolis Colts and he won Super Bowl XLI with the Colts, defeating the Chicago Bears. Addais family hails from Ghana in West Africa, in high school, Addai was a left-handed option-style quarterback for the Sharpstown Apollos. He played football and ran track, in his senior year, he rushed for 1,429 yards on 159 carries and completed 37 passes for 425 yards. He was chosen as a member of the 5A All-State first team in Texas and he was named an All-American by ESPN and Fox Sports, and was rated as a top 100 recruit. In track, he was timed at 10.7 seconds in the 100-meter dash, during his tenure with the Louisiana State University Tigers, he ranked fifth all-time in rushing, with 2,577 yards, despite being primarily used as a blocking fullback early in his career. He wore two numbers while at LSU,41 in his years and then number 10 in his final years. Addai started his stint at LSU in 2001, but after two games was granted a medical redshirt. The following season, he carried the football 80 times, gaining 438 yards and his first big game came against the University of South Carolina, during which he gained 98 yards on eleven carries and scored two touchdowns. On November 9,2002, he amassed 91 yards, including a 63-yard run for a score, addais sophomore season proved to be a banner year for LSU. Led by coach Nick Saban, the Tigers won the BCS National Championship, Addai ranked second to freshman Justin Vincent in rushing, gaining 520 yards on 114 attempts. He led LSUs early season 59-13 rout of the Arizona Wildcats with an 86-yard, in 2004, he rushed for 680 yards on 101 carries and caught 24 passes for 294 yards, scoring a total of seven touchdowns. He stood out against the Alabama Crimson Tide in a 26-10 Tiger Stadium victory on the 13th of November and he led the team in rushing with 99 yards and added another 46 yards receiving, as well as scoring two of the three Tiger touchdowns. for the day. The following week he teamed with Alley Broussard to lead the Tigers to a 27-24 victory over the Ole Miss Rebels, addais 107 yards was part of an impressive 360 yard ground attack by the Tigers. During his senior season, Addai led the team with 911 rushing yards on 187 carries, the highlight of the regular season was a 21-17 victory over the Florida Gators in front of a record-setting 92,402 crowd. Addai sealed the victory for LSU with a touchdown run with 6,27 remaining on the clock. His career-best effort combined 156 yards rushing on 32 carries with 37 yards receiving on 3 catches, on October 22,2005, in competition against Auburn, Addai ran for 105 yards as the Tigers ended Auburns winning streak that year by a score of 20-17. A crowd of 92,664 watched in Tiger Stadium, Addai completed his tenure at LSU with a game in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

6.
Danny Aiken
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Daniel Lee Aiken is an American football long snapper who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Buffalo Bills as a free agent in 2011. He played college football at Virginia after a year at Fork Union Military Academy. While attending Cave Spring High School, Aiken lettered in football, during his high school career he played on the defensive line, at quarterback, and in his early years on junior varsity he played offensive line. At quarterback in his year, he led the Knights to a 9–1 regular season. He played college football at the University of Virginia, was the long snapper all four years. He played under coach Mike London, in May 2011, the Buffalo Bills signed him as an undrafted free agent. They later waived him in August 2011, the New England Patriots claimed him off waivers on September 4,2011, and he was named the teams starting long snapper and an emergency tight end. On March 7,2014, Aiken was re-signed to a 1-year contract and he was released from the team on August 30,2014, but re-signed on September 4. On February 1,2015, Aiken won Super Bowl XLIX with the Patriots, at the conclusion of the 2014-2015 season Aiken was not resigned by the Patriots due to back surgery and their drafting of Joe Cardona in the 2015 NFL Draft to be the teams new long snapper. Aiken was signed by the Carolina Panthers on November 25,2015 after an injury to the Panthers long snapper J. J, on November 27,2015, Aiken was waived. On December 8,2015, Aiken was signed as an agent by the New York Giants to replace long snapper Zak DeOssie. On December 31,2015, Aiken was placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a thumb injury, and was replaced by Tyler Ott

7.
Kamar Aiken
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Kamar Aiken is an American football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He played college football at Central Florida and was signed by the Buffalo Bills as a free agent in 2011. He has also been a member of the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Aiken played high school football at Chaminade-Madonna in Hollywood, Florida. He was signed to the Chicago Bears practice squad on October 9,2012 after Harvey Unga was waived, on November 6, Aiken was waived. On November 19,2012, Aiken was signed to the New England Patriots practice squad, on December 22,2012 Aiken was promoted from the New England Patriots practice squad to the active roster, but was released two days later and re-signed to the practice squad. On December 29,2012 Aiken was promoted back to the Patriots active roster, on August 26,2013, he was released by the Patriots. Aiken scored for the first time in his career in a Week 6 game on October 12,2014 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and he helped quarterback Joe Flacco set the NFL record for the fastest time to record five touchdown passes. The Ravens won in a 48-17 blowout, and Aiken contributed with 2 catches for 20 yards and he caught 6 passes for 65 yards. In a press conference followed the game, Aiken made a comment that was directed at Smith, I got you. In Week 17, Aiken caught a 2-yard touchdown pass to seal a win over the division rival Cleveland Browns, Aikens final stats for the game would be 2 receptions for 13 yards. In the Divisional Round of the playoffs, the Ravens took on the number-one seeded New England Patriots, Aiken finished the 2014 season with 24 receptions,267 receiving yards, and 3 touchdowns. In his second year after the departure of Torrey Smith, Aiken was expected to compete for a starting spot. As a result of injuries to Steve Smith Sr. Breshad Perriman, Dennis Pitta, Aiken scored his first touchdown of the season in a Week 4 Thursday Night Football matchup with the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers. It was off a 15-yard catch, the Ravens would win the game 23-20 in overtime, giving them their first win of the season. Aiken was the leading receiver with 77 yards on 5 catches. In Week 6, in a 25-20 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, in a Week 11 game against the St. Louis Rams, Aiken scored his teams only touchdown off a 3-yard pass from Flacco in a 16-13 comeback win. Aiken would finish the game with 5 receptions for 50 yards, on the final play of regulation, the Browns were in position for a game-winning field goal. Baltimores Brent Urban would block a Travis Coons kick that would be recovered by Ravens safety Will Hill, in Week 15, the Ravens took on the Kansas City Chiefs

8.
Sam Aiken
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Samuel Aiken is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina and he also played for the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns. Aiken attended James Kenan High School in Warsaw, North Carolina where he was an All-Conference honoree in football, basketball, in track and field, he placed second at the North Carolina State Meet on the high jump. After graduating from school, Aiken attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He appeared in all 11 games at wide receiver as a freshman in 1999 and he recorded three catches for 16 yards, returned 13 kickoffs for a 21.2 average, and 12 punts for a 1.9 yard average. As a sophomore in 2000, Aiken again played in all 11 games and ranked third on the team with 29 receptions for 410 yards, in 2001, Aiken led his team with 46 catches for 789 yards and eight touchdowns, second best in school history. He also played on all special teams units, as a senior in 2002, Aiken had 68 catches for 990 yards, both school records, as well as four touchdowns. Aiken was drafted in the round overall of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He was primarily a special player in his five seasons for the Bills, covering kicks. As a rookie in 2003, Aiken played in five of the teams first 11 games, recording 3 receptions for 35 yards, in 2004, Aiken played in 16 games, recording a Buffalo career-high 11 catches for 148 yards as well as 14 special teams tackles. He started two games for the Bills in 2005 while playing in all 16, he caught four passes for 57 yards on the season finishing second on the team with 24 special teams tackles. In 2006, Aiken played in 15 games and picked up 13 special teams tackles, in his final season with the Bills in 2007, Aiken played in 12 games, recording one catch for 10 yards and six special teams tackles. On March 3,2008, Aiken was signed by the New England Patriots as a free agent. Aiken was active for 14 games in his first season with the Patriots and he finished fifth on the team with 10 special teams tackles. In 2009, Aiken was named a special teams captain following the loss of special teams ace Larry Izzo in free agency. He also played in a role in the offense following the release of offseason acquisitions Joey Galloway. He started 7 games for the Patriots, making a career-high 20 receptions for 326 yards and he also caught the first two touchdowns of his career, a 54-yarder in Week 7 and an 81-yarder in Week 13, the third longest career completion for quarterback Tom Brady

9.
Eric Alexander (American football)
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Eric Vonkey Alexander is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was signed by the New England Patriots as a free agent in 2004. He also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns and he played college football at Louisiana State University for the LSU Tigers football team. Alexander attended Stephen F. Austin High in Port Acres, Texas and he was twice named a member of The Port Arthur News Super Team and was an honorable All-State mention before graduating in 2000. Alexander attended Louisiana State University beginning in 2000, in his first three seasons with the team he was a backup safety and special teams contributor. Alexander moved to linebacker before his season in 2003 and recorded 65 tackles. Alexander was signed by the New England Patriots as a free agent following the 2004 NFL Draft. He was waived by the Patriots on September 5,2004 and he was promoted to the 53-man roster on December 20,2004, but was placed on injured reserve during the playoffs on January 13,2005. Alexander was again released during final cuts in 2005 and was re-signed to the squad the next day. He was elevated to the 53-man roster for the teams Week 5 game against the Atlanta Falcons, waived after the game, and re-signed to the practice squad, where he spent the rest of the season. After the 2005 season, Alexander was re-signed by the Patriots, Alexander again made the opening day roster in 2007, appearing in 12 games and leading the team in special teams tackles in two games. However, Alexander was inactive for all but one game in 2008 before being placed on injured reserve on November 22 and he was re-signed as a restricted free agent by the Patriots following the 2008 season. He was released on October 20,2009, and re-signed the next day to a different contract and he signed a one-year extension on November 23,2009. He played in 14 games in 2009, recording 12 tackles on special teams and he was released on September 4,2010, during final cuts. Alexander was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 27,2010 and he was waived on November 2,2010. The Cleveland Browns signed Alexander on November 23,2010 and he was waived on July 28,2011. New England Patriots bio LSU Tigers bio

10.
Dwayne Allen
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Dwayne Lamont Allen is an American football tight end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. He played college football for Clemson University, earned consensus All-American honors and he was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Allen was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina and he attended Terry Sanford High School in Fayetteville, and played high school football for the Terry Sanford Bulldogs. During his career, he had 68 receptions for 1,257 yards, Allen attended Clemson University, where he played for the Clemson Tigers football team from 2008 to 2011. In 2009, he started six of 14 games and had 10 receptions for 108 yards and he started all 13 games in 2010 and was a second-team All-ACC selection after recording 33 receptions for 373 yards with a touchdown. Through the first seven games of his season, Allen had 27 receptions for 381 yards. Allen was named the 2011 recipient of the John Mackey Award on December 8,2011 at the Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show and he graduated from Clemson on August 9,2014. Allen was drafted 64th overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2012 NFL Draft and he was the second tight-end taken in the draft as well as the second taken by the Colts. He helped fellow rookie Andrew Luck lead the Colts to an 11-5 record, despite their draft positions, Allen actually bested his teammate, Coby Fleener, in overall production ranking 7th best among the leagues rookie receiving leaders. Allen and fellow rookie teammates T. Y, hilton, Fleener, Vick Ballard, and LaVon Brazill combined for an NFL record 3,108 yards - the most by any rookie class playing for an NFL club since the 1970 NFL merger. Interestingly, the second best performance was the Colts 1999 rookie class with 2,751 yards, Allen finished the 2012 season with 521 receiving yards on 45 catches, and 3 touchdowns. Allen was intended to be a part of new Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamiltons offense in 2013. He finished the season with one catch for 20 yards and a touchdown, Allen battled a knee injury late in the 2014 season, but started 13 games for the Colts and finished with 29 receptions,395 yards, and 8 touchdowns. On November 8,2015, Allen was poked in the eye by Denver Broncos player Aqib Talib, Talib was given a one-game suspension for the incident the following day. On December 30,2015, Allen was placed on injured reserve, on March 7,2016, Allen signed a four-year, $29.4 million extension with the Colts. On March 9,2017, the Colts traded Allen and a 2017 sixth-round draft pick to the New England Patriots for a 2017 fourth-round draft pick, the trade was the first between the Colts and Patriots since 1985. Career statistics and player information from NFL. com • ESPN • Pro-Football-Reference New England Patriots bio Indianapolis Colts bio Clemson Tigers bio

11.
Will Allen (cornerback)
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Will D. Allen is a former American football cornerback. Allen played college football at Syracuse and he was drafted in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. Allen has also played for the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots, Allen attended Corcoran High School in his hometown of Syracuse, New York, where he excelled in football and track. He only played two years of varsity football, both at cornerback, but he managed to collect a total of 17 interceptions, including a school-record 11 as a senior. In addition, he played wide receiver as a senior, catching 23 passes for 460 yards. He helped lead his team to consecutive 10–1 seasons and he was awarded first-team All-New York State and All-Central New York honors as a senior in 1995, and was a first-team all-conference cornerback in both seasons. His high school selected him as Athlete of the Year for 1995–96, Allen placed third in New York State with a 10.5 second time in the 100-meter dash in his senior year. Opting to remain in his hometown, Allen accepted a scholarship to play football for the Syracuse University Orangemen. He is regarded as one of the fastest players to play for Syracuse. Allen was drafted by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft, after the 2005 season, the Giants opted to sign free agent Sam Madison rather than re-sign Allen to a new contract. Though Allen was capable of maintaining good position, he struggled to make interceptions, on March 19,2006, Will signed a four-year, $12 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. Though he has struggled to produce interceptions he has made the reputation for being one of the best cover corners in the secondary. His final interception of the season came against the Buffalo Bills in Week 14 in a win by the Dolphins, on May 26,2009, Dolphins signed Will Allen to a $16.2 million extension through 2011. The deal included $10 million guaranteed, in Week 6 in a game versus the New Orleans Saints, Allen injured his knee during the game. After the game it was announced that Allen tore his ACL and was put on injured reserve, according to the arrest report, Allen approached a police road-block and instead of following the detour, he kept driving toward a police car, stopping only two feet from it. Will Allen was placed on injured reserve September 5,2010 because of a knee, Allen would go on to restructure his contract with the team. He was set to make $5.5 million in 2011, the 11-year veteran has battled injury problems of late, and should be the team’s nickel back behind Vontae Davis and Sean Smith. On September 3,2011, the Dolphins terminated Allens contract, the Dolphins re-signed Will Allen on September 14,2011, after releasing Benny Sapp

12.
Danny Amendola
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Daniel James Danny Amendola is an American football wide receiver for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent in 2008. He played college football at Texas Tech and he completed his high school career by attempting to lead his team to its first-ever Texas State championship game. Although they lost the championship to North Shore High School, Amendola finished his season with 1,045 receiving yards,129 rushing yards. Amendola finished his career at Texas Tech with 204 receptions for 2,246 yards and 15 touchdowns. Amendolas best year was his year, in which he was overshadowed by teammate Michael Crabtree. In his freshman 2004 season, Amendola saw limited duty on offense but was Techs leading punt returner and he was named to the All-Big 12 first team as punt return specialist. He also caught 13 passes during the season, including one pass during the 2004 game against Baylor. During the 2005 season, Amendola made two memorable plays that led to Red Raider victories, the first was late in the 2005 game against Oklahoma. Tech was trailing and on fourth down, a Cody Hodges pass attempt was tipped and he was tackled immediately and appeared to have been stopped just short of a first down. However, the spot was reviewed by the officials and the final spot of the ball resulted in a first down. Another game-changing play came when Amendola recovered the fumble from a pass during the final drive of the 2005 game against Nebraska. Tech needed a touchdown to win, Tech quarterback Cody Hodgess pass was tipped and intercepted. Instead of taking a knee to seal the victory, the Nebraska defender decided to run with the ball and had it stripped, Amendola dove for the loose ball and recovered it. Tech retained possession, resulting in a touchdown pass from Hodges to Joel Filani on fourth down with under 30 seconds remaining. Amendola majored in Communication Studies, but left early to train for the NFL Combine, Amendola signed as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys on April 27,2008. His attempt to make it to the NFL was featured on the HBO special Hard Knocks, Amendola was cut by the Cowboys on August 30 and re-signed to the Cowboys practice squad after clearing waivers. He spent the entire 2008 regular season on the practice squad

13.
James Anderson (American football)
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James Nathaniel Anderson is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Virginia Tech and was drafted in the round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. Anderson was a school and college football teammate of DeAngelo Hall and Darryl Tapp at Deep Creek High School. Anderson redshirted in 2001 at Virginia Tech, performing on the scout team and he played in every game in 2002, earning three starts and posting 47 tackles with a half sack, three stops for losses and a forced fumble. He spent the bulk of the 2003 season playing on special teams, Anderson started 12 games at weak-side linebacker in 2004, performing in 117 special teams and 368 defensive snaps. He ranked seventh on the squad with 48 tackles and had 2.5 sacks with 6.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and he also recovered two fumbles and intercepted a pass. He started every game as a senior, ranking second on the Tech team with a career-high 82 tackles, Anderson registered three sacks and tied for third on the team with 8.5 stops for losses. He caused and recovered a fumble, batted away three passes and had two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, in 53 games with the Hokies, Anderson started 28 times. He collected 218 tackles with seven sacks for minus-26 yards and 18 stops for losses of 75 yards and he was credited with six quarterback pressures, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. Anderson also gained 53 yards with a touchdown on three interception returns and deflected five passes, Anderson was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. In his debut season, he appeared in 16 games and recorded 25 tackles and he made his first career start at the Cincinnati Bengals on October 22. In the 2007 season, he played in ten games and recorded 11 tackles, in 2011, Anderson was re-signed by the Panthers with a 5-year deal worth 22 million dollars and 8.5 million guaranteed. In 2012 against the New York Giants, Anderson recorded a franchise record 20 tackles in a single game and he was later released in March 2013 to save salary cap room. Anderson ended his tenure with 94 appearances, the most by a linebacker in Panthers history at the time of his release. On March 24,2013, Anderson signed a contract with the Chicago Bears, Anderson ended the 2013 season leading the Bears in tackles with 129.5, along with recording 42 assisted tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss. Anderson signed with the New England Patriots on June 4,2014, the Patriots released Anderson on August 24,2014. Anderson signed with the Tennessee Titans on September 16,2014, signed with the Atlanta Falcons on November 20,2014. He was released on December 24,2014, on December 30,2014, Anderson signed with the Dallas Cowboys

14.
Mark Anderson (American football)
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Mark Anderson is a former American football defensive end. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama, Anderson also played for the Houston Texans, New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills. Anderson was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and he attended Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, and was a letterman in football and basketball. He was a teammate in sports of Robert Meachem and Felix Jones, both also current NFL football players. In football, he was an All-Metro selection and was named as a Big 12 Prep pick, mark Anderson graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 2001. Anderson recorded 104 tackles and 9 sacks along with 9 receptions and 3 touchdowns during his season to help the Hornets to an 11-2 record. In his best game he notched 20 tackles,3 sacks and 2 blocked punts in 1 game as a senior, Anderson attended the University of Alabama. Anderson started every contest during junior campaign and ranked 8th on team with 41 tackles while contributing 11 TFLs,1.5 sacks,2 forced fumbles,2 fumble recoveries and 2 passes deflected and he graduated with a degree in consumer science. Anderson was selected with the 159th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, Anderson also received consideration in 2006 Defensive Rookie of the Year, finishing second in the voting to former Alabama teammate, DeMeco Ryans. He was named to Pro Football Weekly/Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie team and he played in all 16 regular season contests gathering 28 tackles to go along with 3 TFLs,5 QB Hits,2 PBUs,4 FFs and 1 FR. Also played in all 3 postseason contests, recording 4 tackles and 1.5 sacks and he combined with Alex Brown for 19 sacks in 2006, the most by a Chicago DE duo since Richard Dent and Trace Armstrong recorded 24 sacks in 1993. Anderson has recorded 4 multiple-sack games in 16 career regular season games played and he registered 0.5 sack in Super Bowl XLI and 1.5 sacks among 4 tackles in 3 postseason contests. He was voted NFL Defensive Rookie of the month in October 2006, the Bears released Anderson on October 5,2010. On October 6,2010 Anderson signed with the Houston Texans, on August 5,2011, Anderson signed with the New England Patriots. Mark had a year in New England, recording 10 sacks for the Patriots in the regular season. Anderson recorded 1.5 sacks and 5 tackles in Super Bowl XLVI, on March 21,2012, Anderson signed a four-year contract worth 20 million dollars with the Buffalo Bills. In the 2012 season, Anderson had 12 combined tackles and 1 sack through 5 games, however, he suffered a season-ending knee injury against the San Francisco 49ers on October 7,2012

15.
Willie Andrews
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Willie Thedric Andrews is a former American football safety. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Baylor, Andrews has also been a member of the Florida Tuskers and Omaha Nighthawks. Andrews was a starter at Baylor and was awarded All-Big 12 honors in 2004 and 2005. Andrews ran a 4.3840 yard dash at the 2006 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, after multiple arrests in the 2008 offseason, the Patriots released Andrews. Andrews was signed by the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League on September 3,2009, in July 2002, Andrews was sentenced to 30 days in jail after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge. The gun was found in his car by Texas State Troopers during a traffic stop, at the time, Andrews was serving a two-year probation for a March 2002 conviction for misdemeanor criminal mischief. Andrews was seen driving a black Ford Crown Victoria when police received a call there was possible drug activity in the area. Police found $6,800 in cash and a 1/2 pound of marijuana in Andrews unregistered car, the handgun Andrews allegedly used was found near a dumpster at Andrews apartment complex. Andrews was released by the Patriots the next day, July 1,2008, the charges against Andrews were dropped in March 2009 after the victim refused to testify against him in court. Just Sports Stats Baylor Bears bio Official New England Patriots bio

16.
Kyle Arrington
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Kyle Chandler Arrington Sr. is an American football cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent in 2008. He played college football at Hofstra, Arrington has also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New England Patriots. Arrington was born in Accokeek, Maryland and he attended Gwynn Park High School, where he played football as a defensive back and kick returner, as well as basketball and track and field. He was a second-team all-county selection in football and he also played soccer in his years before college football. After graduating from school, Arrington attended Hofstra University beginning in 2004. As a freshman, he played in seven games, recording three tackles and he started seven of the ten games he played as a sophomore, picking up 21 tackles and one forced fumble. In 2006, he played in 11 games, recording 69 tackles, in 2007, he played in 11 games again, recording 53 tackles and an interception. Arrington is one of Hofstras last football players to make in to the NFL, as the school cut its program in 2009 due to costs, Arrington was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent following the 2008 NFL Draft. He was waived by the Eagles on August 30 and re-signed to the practice squad a day later. He was released from the squad on September 10. Arrington was signed to the squad of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 17,2008. He was waived by the Buccaneers on September 5,2009 during final cuts and he was elevated to the 53-man roster on September 10, playing in the Buccaneers season opener. He was waived by the team the next day, in 2010, Arrington earned the starting cornerback job after Week 2, and kept that role for the rest of the season. He finished that year with one interception, which he returned 36 yards for a touchdown against the Packers, Arrington also scored on a return of a blocked field goal against the Dolphins in Week 4. In 2011, he began the season as the corner, since cornerback Leigh Bodden had returned from the injured reserve list. He led the NFL with 7 interceptions for the 2011 season, in 2013, Arrington signed with the Patriots after agreeing in principle on a four-year deal. Arrington earned a Super Bowl ring as the Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 in Super Bowl XLIX, during that game, Arrington was benched and replaced by eventual Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler

17.
Akeem Ayers
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Akeem Christopher Ayers is an American football linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the round of the 2011 NFL Draft and has also played for the New England Patriots. He played college football at UCLA, Ayers attended Verbum Dei High School in Los Angeles, where he played for the Verbum Dei Eagles high school football team. He won a CIF championship during his senior season, akeem Ayers played for UCLA in college. Ayers is known for his athletic interceptions for touchdowns, one in the 2009 season against Oregon, the latter was the game-winning score of the bowl game and helped him earn MVP honors. In a post-game interview, he admitted that he slipped, and was just trying to rush the passer on his game-changing play, as he got up, he saw the quarterback looking to pass, jumped up, and pulled in the pass for an interception and score. On September 18,2010, Ayers had a key interception against #23 Houston in UCLAs first win against an opponent since 2008. Ayers had a key interception, seven tackles, a fumble. He was named Lott IMPACT Player of the Week on September 27, at the end of the 2010 season, his junior year, he entered for the NFL draft. *Had two interceptions for touchdown and one fumble recovery for touchdown Ayers was selected 39th overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2011 NFL Draft. On October 21,2014, the Titans traded Ayers along with a seventh round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft to the New England Patriots for a sixth round draft choice. In each of his first two games with New England, Ayers recorded a sack, Ayers won Super Bowl XLIX with the Patriots after they defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28-24. On March 12,2015, Ayers signed a contract with the St. Louis Rams. On September 3,2016, he was released by the Rams as part of roster cuts. Ayers signed a contract with the Indianapolis Colts on September 6,2016. Career statistics and player information from NFL. com • ESPN • Pro-Football-Reference Los Angeles Rams bio Tennessee Titans bio UCLA Bruins bio

18.
Kennard Backman
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Kennard Chike Backman is an American football tight end for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He played college football at UAB and was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Backman was selected in the round by the Green Bay Packers in the 2015 NFL Draft. On May 8,2015, he signed a contract with the Packers, in his rookie season, Backman appeared in seven games, playing predominantly on special teams. He saw his first playoff action in the Packers divisional playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals, on August 30,2016, Backman was placed on injured reserve. On November 12,2016, Backman was signed to the Patriots practice squad and he was released three days later. He was re-signed to the squad on November 29,2016 but was released again three days later. On December 31,2016, Backman was signed to the Lions practice squad and he signed a reserve/future contract with the Lions on January 9,2017. Source, NFL. com Green Bay Packers bio UAB Blazers bio Career statistics and player information from NFL. com • ESPN • CBS Sports • Yahoo